How To Choose an Appropriate Wedding Song

Wedding Song - tradition

Your main Wedding Song should be one that has some significance for you, but one that you will not cringe at when you hear it on your wedding video in several years time. The latest grunge track might seem to be great to you now, but when you hit 40…

Wedding songs have always been a traditional part of weddings, and brides and their grooms have always drawn up a list of songs to be played at the reception. However, they do not only start at the reception. They can also be sung at the ceremony. A lot depends on the type of ceremony you have, since church weddings are normally restricted to hymns, though it is sometimes possible to have a popular Wedding Song.

Wedding Song - choices

You should take time to consider what songs you want at your wedding. You likely have to choose music for the Prelude, the Processional and the Recessional at the very least. The most popular processional music for a Wedding Song is Mendelssohn’s piece from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, commonly called the Wedding March. Beethoven’s Ode To Joy is also popular by those that want something slightly different to the ubiquitous Wedding March.

It is also frequently possible to have a live singer or even a string band singing or playing the couple’s favorite music and songs. Whichever it is you choose, it is likely best that you include a mixture of the traditional and the modern, so that the tastes of guests of all ages and viewpoints are catered for. Although it is your wedding, your guests should find it memorable and will do so if you have a good mix and choice of music. Many people believe that a wedding is not a wedding without a traditional Wedding Song and music that is so dear to our hearts.

Wedding Song - reception

For the reception, you should speak to the band or the DJ and ask what they recommend in a Wedding Song. They will have lots of experience of what other people do, and while you don’t have to copy others, it takes a bit of the guesswork out of what is traditional. Many people have no idea of the traditional wedding music, and although you might want to stamp your own personality on your own wedding, a little bit of tradition to keep the older relatives happy will not hurt. People like to get a bit nostalgic at weddings as well as a bit romantic, and a mix of the two is appropriate for most weddings.

There are many websites online that provide you with samples of the more traditional wedding music, and pieces suitable for each stage of the ceremony. You must speak to the person responsible or the venue of the ceremony to determine what is allowed in a Wedding Song, since some venues have restrictions on certain types of music. You might be allowed Handel’s water music but not Van Halen or Aerosmith. If you have employed a wedding planner then she will know the answers to all of these questions and advise you of suitable wedding music and songs.

Wedding Song - personal

Currently popular for a Wedding Song is Aerosmith's ‘Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing’ and Whitney Houston, but also popular are Bryan Adams, Shania Twain and, of course, Elvis. Changing attitudes are tending to make modern wedding songs more personal to the bride and groom, rather than statements of love, and can reflect the individuality of each. However, do not make the mistake of focusing so much on trying to impress with your modern and eclectic choice of music that you offend the grandparents.

There is a balance that can easily be struck, and most couples take the view that although their wedding is personal to them, the views and tastes of their guests, especially their relatives, should be a factor considered in their choice of music. The Wedding Song selected for the first dance, however, should be completely personal to both of you, and reflect something in your past. Perhaps it was the song you had your first ever dance together to, or something that brings back specific memories. Whatever it is, you should not compromise with your choice for the first dance.

Wedding Song - timing

After that it is traditional for the parents to take to the floor, and your next wedding songs should perhaps be a bit more traditional although still romantic. After that, anything goes. Wedding reception music tends to start romantic and on the slower side, and then progressively get more lively as people enter into the spirit of things and, perhaps, as the alcohol flows.

Your choice of Wedding Song is your to make, but with the others also in mind. Choose wisely, and make the song for your first dance together as husband a wife a very personal one, then your wedding will a great success both for you personally and for your guests.










Wedding Song

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